Abstract:
This thesis is an analytical study of the authority and role of Samuha Phra Kalahom between 1782-1892. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the various powers of Samuha phra Kalahom, their roles and their impact on Thai politics, Economics and society during that period. A study of the causes and processes of Samuha Phra Kalahoms decline and eventual abolition is also included. Before King Chulalongkorns administrative reform, the Samuha Phra Kalahom was one of the most important Khunnang in the kingdom. His authority and functions were numerous. During the early years of the Ratanakosin period, in addition to the military administration and the government of the Southern provinces and the Malay tributary states, Samuha Phra Kalahoms other chief duties included the control of the Phrai in the South, and the prosecution of government officials accused of wrong doing in the capital. Later on, jurisdiction over all the Southerners and administrative power over some tax farming operations was also included. The latter authority undoubedly enriched the wealth of this khunnang. With such authority, it is hardly surprising that Samuha Phra Kalahom played quite important roles in Thai history. In the middle of the reign of King Rama III, Chao Phraya Phra Klung wa Ti Samuha Phra Kalahom became one of only a few men whose activities had a great impact on Thai politics, economics and society at that time. Besides, in the closing years of the third reign, some beneficial circumstances, both internal and external, led him to become the most influential khunnang. On the death of King Rama III, the appointment of the Kings successor became his responsibility. Samuha Phra Kalahoms power reached its peak with this man, Chao Phraya Srisuriyawong. Combining leadership, talent, wealth and good connections with the power of Samuha Phra Kalahom, Chao Phraya Srisuriyawong became the dominant figure of his day. Not only did he successfully make himself the presumptive Prime Minister of the country, but he also played a great number of other important roles. At the beginning of the reign of King Chulalongkorn, he was appointed Regent and held supremacy for six years. However, after the end of the regency, Samuha Phra Kalahoms authority and functions were gradually diminished. Chao Phraya Suriwongwaiyawat, the following Samuha Phra Kalahom, a man with less talent or strength of character, could not maintain the prestige of this post. Meanwhile, in order to be able to affect a change for the betterment of the country, the young King took steps towards the concentration of power in his own hands. Hence, some of the authority and functions of Samuha Phra Kalahom, especially in military and tax administration, were transferred to other persons on whom the king could depend. Finally, when the administrative reform occurred in 1892, the post of Samuha Phra Kalahom was abolished.